Italian Job 2005 charity run to Italy - report & pics, 2006 are you up 4 it?

[mikeythemini]

I've got a flight out to Italy Thursday 9am to join up with the event
Colink left home Yesterday, he stayed overnight in Dover then got the ferry to France this morning.
Text this morning; He is in France & has got a MOD in tow (I think Colin was stuggling to keep up with the Diesel really
Update: Colin is being the model of self restraint , him 27mpg, MOD probly 70
Update: He has now picked up a classic cooper S, pace increased
Update tonight: Now in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mountain roads awesome

I will update when I get out there, & try to get colin to post aswell
He has the St Bernard Pass to hit in the morning

Money raised is going to National Childrens Homes
Oh and we are going to Misano Saturday

[Rakey]

lucky barsteward

have a good time mate

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

I've got a flight out to Italy Thursday 9am to join up with the event
Colink left home Yesterday, he stayed overnight in Dover then got the ferry to France this morning.
Text this morning; He is in France & has got a MOD in tow (I think Colin was stuggling to keep up with the Diesel really
Update: Colin is being the model of self restraint , him 27mpg, MOD probly 70
Update: He has now picked up a classic cooper S, pace increased
Update tonight: Now in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mountain roads awesome

I will update when I get out there, & try to get colin to post aswell
He has the St Bernard Pass to hit in the morning

Money raised is going to National Childrens Homes
Oh and we are going to Misano Saturday

[mikeythemini]

Have seen the lightweight
Its under a cover though

[tnoy66]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Have seen the lightweight
Its under a cover though

Is it blue/silver with red mirrors
Can you see any of it
There's folk here dying to know.........

[colink]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

I've got a flight out to Italy Thursday 9am to join up with the event
Colink left home Yesterday, he stayed overnight in Dover then got the ferry to France this morning.
Text this morning; He is in France & has got a MOD in tow (I think Colin was stuggling to keep up with the Diesel really
Update: Colin is being the model of self restraint , him 27mpg, MOD probly 70
Update: He has now picked up a classic cooper S, pace increased
Update tonight: Now in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mountain roads awesome

I will update when I get out there, & try to get colin to post aswell
He has the St Bernard Pass to hit in the morning

Money raised is going to National Childrens Homes
Oh and we are going to Misano Saturday

Oi - those MODs are pretty torquey

Managed to lose the self restraint on the St Bernard pass. As we approached the pass the signs told it was shut. A quick text to Mikey was returned with the advice of ignoring the signs and going for it anyway. We got to the border and lo and behold - big old padlock on the gate. Still, it was well worth it for the drive up and back. Amazing hairpins and empty (coz it was officially shut). We did a high speed blast on the way down and completely lost the brakes - mmmm, think I need to visit Roland for that Porsche brake conversion.

Drive thru Italy was awesome - spent 10 miles at 115 following a MO driven by a very cute Italian chick

But the best bit is the thought of Mikey cruising the autoroutes in his Nissan Micra. mmmm, nice...

A few photos from today...

[Rakey]

excellent pics

<--------------so jealous

[mikeythemini]

What a day
1st stage took us to Fiorano - the private test track of Ferrari
We were first treated to the sights & sounds of a disguised car doing hot laps, then a 360.
After the special stages we had several laps of their circuit - the suport cars (x5's) were not even allowed though the gate.
SOme pics follow
Colink is still buzzing having been bouncing off the rev limiter in 2nd

[mikeythemini]

More

[colink]

I think I found heaven today

As Mikey said, bouncing off the limiter in 2nd on Ferrari's test track was a special moment (we were in quite a tight convoy and supervised so never got far into the revs in third). Truly an awesome experience.

A few more pics - note the 360 CS in the background of the last two. We watched it being hammered round the track for lap after lap. Imagine having that as your job No problems taking weekend overtime, me thinks

[Mini-Trainer]

You all really know how to rub it in, don't you?!!

Fantastic pics guys, drive safe, enjoy the European traffic, esp in Italy!!!!

Book me a place down for next year I'm defiantly up for this already!

Rams

[mikeythemini]

Great day
Down to missano, treated really well, car parking in a good spot, 2 hours free go karting, dinner, launch of the new max power mini , track time, & very hot weather. Followed by a very high speed motorway run back to Imola - which ended with a Lamborgini Galardo police car at the toll booth
Will try to upload pics

[colink]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini-Trainer

Book me a place down for next year I'm defiantly up for this already!

Rams

And we all know how defiant you can get, Rams!

Another awesome day. Track session at Misano was superb - car felt real quick, especially after filling up with Shell V-Max at the track petrol pumps

Drive back to Imola saw UK speed limit x2 Fortunately, we didn't meet the Lambo cop car.

Highlight of the day? Ask Mikey about getting nailed on the karts

First pic shows what happens when new and old minis mate (note the recessive genes from the classic!)



Pit Stop at Misano

[J1JPE]

drop me a PM if yhou fancy a pit-stop in Switzerland (Vevey) on the way back

[cooper7]

Guys sounds absolutely amazing!!!!!! I'm tres envious (although am very pleased that you guys are doing it and having such a great time!!!!!) Keep it up, fantastic pics, i guess there's no need for me to remind you to keep a broad grin on your faces at all times?!